Level 2 Diploma in Fashion Business

Are you interested in fashion, retail, branding and marketing?

This course is designed for students who want to develop their knowledge and understanding of the Fashion Business industry while building the skills needed for further study and future careers. You will explore how fashion brands engage with customers, develop products and promote themselves across physical and digital platforms.

Throughout the course, you will take part in a variety of practical and theory-based projects covering areas such as fashion marketing, branding, photography, retail environments and consumer behaviour. You will also have opportunities to work on live projects, hear from industry professionals and visit retailers and fashion-related businesses.

Alongside your main programme of study, you will participate in work experience, employer engagement and enrichment activities that support the development of your employability, digital and professional skills.

Students who have not yet achieved a grade 4 in GCSE English or GCSE Maths will continue to study these qualifications as part of their study programme. Developing your English and Maths skills will support your understanding of business concepts, communication and decision-making within the fashion industry.

The programme provides an excellent foundation for progression to Level 3 Fashion Business and related creative and business pathways.

Typically, you will have GCSE English Language at grade 4, GCSE Maths at grade 3, and a minimum of two additional GCSEs at grade 3 or above, or equivalent qualifications.

Applicants holding relevant Level 1 qualifications at Pass grade or above will also be considered.

A GCSE in a creative subject and/or Business Studies would be beneficial but is not essential.

Applicants will be invited to attend an interview to discuss their interests, aspirations and suitability for the course. You may also be invited to attend a taster session to experience the learning environment and course activities.

As this course prepares learners for further study and employment, applicants should be prepared to:

• Maintain good attendance and punctuality
• Demonstrate a positive and professional attitude towards learning
• Work independently and collaboratively with others
• Meet deadlines and complete coursework to a high standard
• Show respect for staff, peers and learning environments
• Participate actively in practical projects, visits and enrichment activities
• Develop professional communication and organisational skills
• Engage positively with work experience and employer-led activities

A genuine interest in fashion, branding, marketing and retail is essential.

The Level 2 Diploma in Fashion Business will introduce you to the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to progress within the fashion, retail and creative industries.

You will develop knowledge and skills in:

• Fashion retail and selling environments
• Customer service and customer experience
• Marketing and promotional techniques
• Branding and brand development
• Fashion photography and visual communication
• Graphic and editorial design
• Consumer behaviour and market research
• Digital content creation and social media marketing
• Research, planning and project development
• Personal and professional development

Throughout the programme, you will also develop skills in:

• Communication and presentation 
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Creativity and problem-solving
• Digital and employability 
• Organisation and time management
• Sustainability awareness within the fashion industry

As part of your study programme, you will participate in:

• Work experience opportunities
• Employer engagement activities
• Guest speaker sessions
• Educational visits and industry research activities
• Live projects and industry-inspired briefs

Students who have not yet achieved a grade 4 in GCSE English or Maths will continue to study these qualifications alongside their main programme.

This course is delivered on-site through a combination of practical workshops, classroom-based theory sessions, industry projects and educational visits.

You will learn through:

• Practical fashion business and retail activities
• Branding, marketing and promotional projects
• Photography and content creation workshops
• Tutor-led lessons and demonstrations
• Research and trend analysis activities
• Group projects and presentations
• Educational visits to retailers and fashion-related businesses
• Work experience and employer engagement opportunities
• Independent study and portfolio development
• Online and remote learning activities that support classroom learning and digital skills development

Throughout the course, you will be expected to demonstrate good attendance, punctuality, organisation and professional conduct. These behaviours will help prepare you for progression to Level 3 study, apprenticeships and employment within the fashion and retail industries.

You will need to bring:

• Basic stationery for note-taking and project work
• Access to digital learning platforms to support independent study
• A positive attitude and willingness to fully engage in all aspects of the programme

Some projects may require additional expenditure for printing, specialist materials and trips. Financial support may be available through the College’s Student Financial Support Fund for eligible students.

You will complete all eight mandatory units, with achievement graded as:

• Pass
• Merit
• Distinction

Assessment is carried out through a variety of coursework and portfolio-based activities, designed to reflect industry practice.

Assessment methods may include:

• Practical projects
• Presentations and pitches
• Written assignments
• Research activities
• Portfolio development
• Discussions and professional reviews
• Individual and group projects

You will be expected to demonstrate both your subject knowledge and your professional skills, including communication, organisation, teamwork and time management.

Students studying GCSE English or Maths will complete the assessment requirements associated with those qualifications, including examinations where applicable.

Further Study

Successful completion of this course can lead to progression to:

• Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion Business
• Other Level 3 Creative, Business and Marketing programmes

Students will continue to develop their English and Maths skills where required to support future progression into further education, apprenticeships and employment.

Careers

This course provides a strong foundation for progression into apprenticeships and careers within the fashion, retail and creative industries, including:

• Fashion Retail
• Customer Experience
• Visual Merchandising
• Fashion Marketing
• Social Media and Content Creation
• Branding and Promotion
• Buying and Merchandising Support
• Retail Management

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk or follow the course Instagram account: @ual_fbr_derbycollege.